Multiple number side bet in dice game

ABSTRACT

A system and process for effecting a side bet game during play of an underlying game of craps. The side bet wagers are paid at odds for achievement of consecutive random outcome events after establishment of the Point, with the random outcome events being selected from the non-repeating group consisting of remaining available value numbers of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. Making the original Point may provide an even higher level of resolution of the wager.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of casino table wagering games, particularly casino table dice games related to the play of the game of Craps, and most particularly to side bet wagers that may be placed in the underlying game of Craps.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE ART

The game of craps is a popular and long established casino table wagering game. It has been an established part of the casino environment for over a hundred years, in spite of the fact that it is a labor intensive game, with a minimum of four personnel present at the table during play. It is believed that the excitement of the game, some relatively favorable wagers/odds and the camaraderie of the game have required major casinos to continue the game. It would be desirable for the casinos to increase their revenue in the game, particularly by providing new profitable wagers with a potential for high odds that would attract more wagers and even attract new players. Numerous novel wagers, either rolling wagers (in which the wager is active until a negative or positive event occurs) and proposition wagers (which are active for only a single roll of the dice, unless a positive event occurs), have been proposed and provided on Craps tables to try to provide these larger returns and provide additional interest to players. The following disclosures show examples of directions and attempts at additional Craps side bet wagers.

Published US Patent Application No. 20040251626 (Porter) discloses a dice game that includes provision for a series of wagers on virtually any possible outcome of the toss of a pair of conventional cubical dice. The present game allows players to place wagers on the possibility of (a) a specific single number coming up on either of the dice, (b) any doubles number in general, (c) a specific additive total counting both dice, (d) an odd or even number additive total, and/or (e) a high or low additive total, i.e., above or below a median number. Odds are provided in accordance with the probability of each of the above noted possibilities occurring. The game is suited for casino play, and a gaming table layout is provided with a series of player stations each having a series of positions for placing wagers in accordance with the above possibilities.

Published US Patent Application 20060097452 (Ryan et al.) describes a method of playing a conventional game of Craps with an improvement including the step of placing a bet on the Craps game being played where the bet is independent of the game being played and of other bets being made during the game is disclosed. The step of placing a bet further includes betting that the next throw of the dice in the Craps game will result in a 6, 7, or 8 being thrown.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,547 (Hobert) describes a wagering method and betting table for craps with a progressive bet or jackpot bet provided for a specific number and type of consecutive doubles being rolled. Specifically, the progressive wager is for doubles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 being rolled in any order with no other rolls being present. This is a wager determined by consecutive and repeating events, but does not allow for any intervening numbers between pairs.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,670 (Hobert) describes a layout and method of play of the game of craps wherein a pair of dice is used, the dice being of a size for manually rolling to present one of eleven different numbers which define a plurality of point numbers, at least one natural number, and at least one craps number. A gaming layout provides a flat surface upon which said dice may be rolled and upon which bets may be laid by physical placement of wagers, said flat surface including indicia thereon representing a plurality of wager areas, said wager areas including: (a) a pass line area for receiving a wager betting both (i) that one or more rolls of dice will yield an established first point number without rolling the number “7”; and (ii) that a natural number is rolled prior to establishing the first point number or prior to rolling a craps number; (b) a don't pass area for receiving a wager betting both (i) that one or more rolls of the dice will yield the number “7” prior to the rolling of an established first point number; and (ii) that a craps number is rolled prior to establishing the first point number or prior to rolling a natural number; and (c) a jackpot area for receiving a wager that a set of a plurality of dice outcomes are rolled, said set having a remote probability of occurrence, and said set being randomly generated at a certain point in the play. The plurality of dice outcomes are disclosed as selected from the group consisting of: a) a series of dice outcomes comprising dice outcomes of the numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, before a 7 is rolled, wherein the dice outcomes for the numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 are a pair of identical outcomes on each die; b) a series of dice outcomes comprises dice outcomes of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, or a subset of these numbers, in any order, before a 7 is rolled; c) a series of dice outcomes comprises a plurality of consecutive dice outcomes of the number 7; d) a series of dice outcomes comprises a plurality of consecutive dice outcomes of the natural numbers 7 and 11, in any order; e) a series of dice outcomes comprises a plurality of consecutive dice outcomes of the craps numbers 2, 3, and 12, in any order; and f) a series of dice outcomes comprises a plurality of consecutive dice outcomes of the craps numbers 2, 3, and 12, followed by a 7; a series of dice outcomes comprises a plurality of dice outcomes of the field numbers (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12) before a 7 is rolled.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,002 and (Hobert) describes a craps game is disclosed that incorporates a jackpot wagering area in a traditional craps game. In the jackpot wagering area, a player may make a bet that covers multiple wagers, including at least one jackpot sequence wager that a jackpot sequence of dice outcomes will be rolled. The jackpot sequence has a relatively remote possibility of occurrence and, correspondingly, a high payoff. A jackpot wagering area bet covers wagers in addition to the jackpot sequence wager. For example, the bet may also cover an additional jackpot sequence wager, a lower payoff sequence wager, or a traditional craps wager. This is a wager determined by consecutive and repeating events.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,749 (Hobert) describes a method of playing a craps game is disclosed that incorporates a jackpot wagering area in a traditional craps game. The method includes receiving a bet that a jackpot sequence of dice outcomes will be rolled. The jackpot sequence has a relatively remote possibility of occurrence and, correspondingly, a high payoff. A jackpot wagering area bet may cover wagers in addition to the jackpot sequence wager. For example, the bet may also cover an additional jackpot sequence wager, a lower payoff sequence wager, or a traditional craps wager. Also, the method of playing a craps game with a jackpot sequence wager may be played on a video screen. A method of playing a craps game is disclosed that incorporates a jackpot wagering area in a traditional craps game. The method includes receiving a bet that a jackpot sequence of dice outcomes will be rolled. The jackpot sequence has a relatively remote possibility of occurrence and, correspondingly, a high payoff. A jackpot wagering area bet may cover wagers in addition to the jackpot sequence wager. For example, the bet may also cover an additional jackpot sequence wager, a lower payoff sequence wager, or a traditional craps wager. Also, the method of playing a craps game with a jackpot sequence wager may be played on a video screen. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the lower payoff sequence wager 34 is won when the shooter rolls any of the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) five times in a row. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower payoff sequence is tracked by the five match indicators 26, 28, 30, 36, 38. If the shooter rolls five point numbers in a row, the host pays all bets made on the jackpot wagering area 20. The winning bets remain on the jackpot wagering area 20 and become eligible for the jackpot sequence wager 32. To win the jackpot sequence wager 32, the shooter must then match the number displayed on the display 24. The jackpot sequence is tracked by three match indicators 40, 46, 48. If the shooter matches the number three times in a row, the jackpot sequence wager 32 is won. Thus, each bet in the jackpot wagering area 20 is eligible for multiple, sequential jackpot area sequences. There is no teaching of a wager on multiple Passes on points that may repeat for a side bet event, but is specifically limited to Passes on non-repeating point accumulations.

Published US Patent Application 2004130094 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,352 (Hunter) describe a progressive jackpot is awarded in a craps game. Three dice are used in the come-out roll. The progressive jackpot is funded with an ante from each player who places a bet in the craps game. A chance to win the progressive jackpot is initiated whenever a first predetermined outcome occurs in the come-out roll. The progressive jackpot is awarded to the current players if a roll subsequent to the come-out roll having a first predetermined outcome has a second predetermined outcome. The outcome of at least two of the dice in the come-out roll are used to determine the outcome of the craps game only if the come-out roll does not achieve the first predetermined outcome. The winning event for the progressive jackpot was (a) funding the progressive jackpot with an ante from each player who places a bet in the craps game; (b) initiating a chance for the current players to win the progressive jackpot whenever a first predetermined outcome occurs in the come-out roll; (c) awarding the progressive jackpot to the current players if a roll subsequent to the come-out roll having a first predetermined outcome has a second predetermined outcome; and (d) using the outcome of at least two of the dice of the come-out roll to determine the outcome of the craps game only if the come-out roll does not achieve the first predetermined outcome. There is no teaching of a wager on multiple Passes on points that may repeat for a side bet event, but is specifically limited to Passes on non-repeating point accumulations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,353 (Berman et al.) describes a dice game embodied in a table or slot machine format utilizing spinning wheels or slots to generate numbers based multiple repetitions or a count of numbers prior to novel termination and payout events. The preferred embodiment differs from traditional craps in that there is no requirement of a repeated number roll for a win. In one embodiment, a number other than seven, the target number, can be rolled on two six sided dice, numbered on sides from 1-6, in a tournament style fashion over a selected calendar period to win the primary wager. These games include counting the rolls on different players and comparing those rolls and making an award to the player making (a) the most rolls, (b) the most points, (c) the fewest points or rolls or (d) enhanced pay outs for higher targets during a limited (e.g. 4) number of dice rolls. A video layout is disclosed which replaces traditional displays with multiple dice rolls in a novel fashion otherwise consistent with the disclosure herein. A method of generating random numbers using a chute is disclosed as well as a method of determining random results based on mathematical utilization of multiple dice rolls.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,851 (Harris) describes a gaming apparatus and method are provided which relate to a dice table game having at least two levels of wagering in cooperation with an optional jackpot wager. During operation, a player places an optional jackpot wager and a first level wager upon one of the possible dice combinations. If the player loses at the first level, both wagers are taken by the house. If the player wins at the first level, the player's jackpot wager remains and the player is paid for the first level wager based upon the odds associated with the selected dice combination. When the player wins at the first level, the player is required to place a wager upon a second level by selecting one of the possible combinations of dice offered at the second level. If the player loses at the second level, the second level wager and the jackpot wager are taken by the house. When the player wins at the second level, a payout is effected based upon the odds associated with the dice combination selected by the player and the jackpot wager is held. After a win at the second level, the player is again required to place a wager at a third level. The third level corresponds to a single dice combination, such as “2”. If the third level dice combination is rolled, the player is paid according to a third level payout. In addition, if the player made the appropriate jackpot wager prior to wagering at the first level, the player is also paid from a jackpot.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,676 (Rubin) describes an electronically and physically improved craps game table designed to provoke and stimulate the interest of novice, occasional, and veteran craps game player is disclosed. The craps game table comprises: a dice rolling area; event registration means for registering a combination rolled; an electronic recent event display; and, a computer programmed to display historical and recent events. A preferred aspect of this invention provides for a craps game table as above wherein the computer is additionally programmed to summarize the most recent events, and wherein the computer is programmed to display the last nine events. The craps game table may additionally be marked to allow game players to wager on events sequentially occurring in two and more moves; and the computer may be programmed to display payoffs for those sequentially occurring events. The most preferred embodiment additionally provides for multiple individual bet placement layouts around the periphery of the table. The electronically improved craps game table provides for the possibility of heretobefore unavailable bet combinations; sequential bet possibilities which will attract game players with astronomical, ever changing and electronically posted payoffs; payoffs which will be exceptionally lucrative to the casinos. In certain configurations, the game player may bet on the outcome of up to nine sequential moves.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,689 (Stasi) describes a proposition bet for Craps referred to as a FIRE BET™. The method includes predetermining a schedule of a pay-out table, players placing FIRE BET™ wagers at respective player betting areas prior to a shooter's initial come out; accumulating points responsive to outcomes of the shooter's dice throws, wherein points are made when a number 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 is twice rolled before sevening out, and wherein repeating of any made number is ignored, and making a pay-out based upon the points accumulated and the schedule. A side bet wager is placed on accumulating points being made when a number of the dice from the number group 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 is the outcome of any two of the shooter's dice throws prior to a sevening out, and wherein repetition of a number of any previously made point is ignored; and winning a pay-out based upon the made points accumulated and the schedule. The wager requires different Passes to be made (on different points) before sevening out, and multiple Passes on the same point are ignored. There is no teaching of a wager on multiple Passes on points that may repeat for a side bet event, but is specifically limited to Passes on non-repeating point accumulations.

Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0173966 (Stasi) is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,689 (above). Claims are directed to a plurality of point markers, the plurality of point markers comprising: a first made point marker indicative of a first made point accumulation; a second made point marker indicative of a second made point accumulation; a third made point marker indicative of a third made point accumulation; a fourth made point marker indicative of a fourth made point accumulation; a fifth made point marker indicative of a fifth made point accumulation; and a sixth made point marker indicative of a sixth made point accumulation. There is no teaching of a wager on multiple Passes on points that may repeat for a side bet event, but is specifically limited to Passes on non-repeating point accumulations.

Automatic physical dice rolling or casting systems are known in the art and can be incorporated into the play of the present game. For example, dice, either normal dice of dimensions from 1.5-4 cm) are used, or larger dice (e.g., 4-20 cm) that are easily visible by players or which can be sensed and read by an electronic automated system are used. Many structures are known in the art for effecting this automatic dice casting, such as, by way of non-limiting examples, Published U.S. Patent Application Document No. 20110018194 (Nicely); Published U.S. Patent Application Document No. 20090118006, 20090118005; and 20090118001 (Bryan, including automated sensing of outcomes); Completely electronic systems with dice outcomes produced at tables or random number generated events are shown in U.S. Patent Application Document No. 20090124348 (Yoseloff).

Automatic or electronic game outcome reading systems are also known such as in Published U.S. Patent Application Document Nos. 20100273547 (Stasi); (Xu); 20090098932 (Longway); 20070015583 (Tran);

Playing cards with craps outcomes on them may also be used, especially where the cards are provided from automatic shuffling machines and more particularly continuous shuffling automatic shuffling machines as disclosed in 20060214373 (Christian); 20070210513 (Bunn); 20050212213 (Inglese); 2003004267 (Boyd). Published US Patent Application Document 20060043678 (Golden) describes a casino craps table layout and game which is provided with unique wagering opportunities. There are specific wagering areas for placing a wager on at least one of two new wagering opportunities. These new wagering opportunities are selected from the group consisting of a) a wager that the next roll of the dice will be a hard 4, 6, 8 or 10 and b) a wager that the next roll of the dice will be a pair of numbers. Another new wagering opportunity is a placed wager for any specific number (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10).

Published U.S. Patent Application Document No. 20080061505 (Snow) describes a side bet that is added to the play of a game of Craps. A player places a side bet wager on an occurrence of an event comprising at least three consecutive Pass events. The Points may be selected from at least the traditional Points selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. A player or electronic simulation provides a roll or throw of the dice and the game of Craps is played in its conventional manner. The casino or gaming apparatus identifies consecutive Passes made, independent of the Pass event.

Published U.S. Patent Application Document No. 2008113706 (O'Halloran) describes wagering system for a wagering game uses at least one live random outcome game piece in the play of the wagering game. A gaming table is used with the at least one game piece to determine a random outcome. At least two player interface wagering systems with a visual display are provided on each player interface wagering system. Each player interface wagering system is in communication link with a game server that processes game data and determines wager outcomes. Each player interface wagering system has at least two selectable wagering input displays that may be separately selected and displayed by a player wagering at each player interface. Each of the at least two selectable wagering input displays identifies different sets of wagers that may be placed by the player on the random outcomes of the wagering game. This technology can assist in electronic structures for enabling wagers at craps games, such as the technology described herein

General Rules for Play of Craps.

Each player is afforded the opportunity to place a wager on the table in a similar fashion to the standard wagers placed on a standard craps table. These areas will be duly identified and described below.

In essence, the player places at least one of the various wagers indicated below before the dice are thrown by the shooter. A shooter, the person throwing the dice, must have at least one minimum wager (on the “pass” or “don't pass” line) on the table, although a partner may throw the dice for someone else placing the wager. As the pair of dice provides 36 possible outcomes for a single roll of one standard pair of dice, there are 36 possible outcomes on each and every roll of the dice in the standard game of craps. The standard wagers include:

PASS LINE Wager:

-   -   1) The player will lose on a shooter opening throw totaling 2,         3, or 12, and will lose all money wagered on this area.     -   2) The player will win on a shooter opening throw totaling 7 or         11, and will win on a 1 to 1 payout basis.         This means that the player will either win or lose on a throw of         2, 3, 7, 11, or 12. If none of these values appears for the         shooter, then a POINT would be established, and these possible         numbers are as follows: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Assuming that the         throw established a POINT, the players with a wager on the pass         line would be hoping for the shooter on any subsequent throw to         obtain this same sum total of the POINT, before obtaining a sum         total of 7. Remember that the shooter's first throw only         represents the total to be used for the POINT or come out throw         establishing a point, or winning (with a 7 or 11) or losing with         a craps (2, 3 or 12).     -   3) Also, the players who have wagered on the PASS LINE, may make         an additional wager after the POINT is established, and before         any subsequent throwing of the dice. This is called TAKING the         odds, and the odds and payouts for this additional wager are as         follows:

POINT PAYOUT 6 or 8 6 to 5 5 or 9 3 to 2  4 or 10 2 to 1 The taking of the odds is one of the best wagers in the casino, with a house hold of only about 0.8% of the total money wagered.

-   -   4) Again, a player who wagered on the pass line, and made this         additional wager as well, would be looking for the shooter to         obtain a two dice total on any subsequent throw to total the         established POINT. If this occurs, the player would receive a         payout of 1 to 1 on the original pass line wager, and receive         the odds as stated above for the additional TAKING of the odds         wager.     -   5) However, if after establishing the POINT, the shooters count         on a throw is a count of total 7 on any subsequent throw prior         to the shooter making the POINT as described above, the player         would lose all money wagered on the pass line, as well as all         additional money wagered on this particular established POINT         (the TAKING of the odds).     -   6) Once either the POINT is made, or the shooter's throw totals         7 after the POINT is established, all bets would be settled, and         this would signify the end of that portion of play for that         particular established POINT. The shooter on the next throw         would be looking again to establish a “new” POINT for the         players.

DON'T PASS LINE:

This phase of the craps game (wagering area) for the players is exactly the opposite of that described for the PASS LINE section as described above. The only major difference (again realizing that pass line is opposite of don't pass line) is that players wagering on the DON'T PASS LINE do not win if the shooter's opening throw is a 12, whereas PASS LINE players do in fact lose if the shooter's opening throw is a 12. A wager placed on this area of the table by the player, would take on a payout similar to the PASS LINE, and would be 1 to 1 if the shooter's opening throw (before the establishment of the point is a 2 or 3. However, if the shooter's opening throw is a 7 or 11, then the player would lose all of his or her wager on this area of the table. Once again, an opening throw of 12 would mean nothing to the players who have wagered on the DON'T PASS LINE, if there is a DON'T PASS BAR 12 rule in effect, which there always is (or a BAR 2), as the probabilities would favor the player without the BAR provision.

Working in a similar (but opposite) fashion as the PASS LINE, once the POINT is established, the player wagering on the DON'T PASS LINE would be looking for the shooter to obtain a total of 7 on subsequent throws, before obtaining a total equal to the established POINT. If the shooter on any subsequent throw attains a total of 7 before attaining the established POINT, the player would win and would receive a payout of 1 to 1 on the initial DON'T PASS LINE wager.

Just as with the PASS LINE player has the opportunity to place an additional wager down once the POINT is established, the DON'T PASS LINE player is afforded the same opportunity. The DON'T PASS LINE player can LAY the odds, and the odds and payouts for this additional wager are as follows:

POINT PAYOUT 6 or 8 5 to 6 5 or 9 2 to 3  4 or 10 1 to 2 Again, the player who wagered on the DON'T PASS LINE, and made this additional wager, would be looking for the shooter to obtain a two dice total on any subsequent throw of seven. If this occurs, the player would receive a payout of 1 to 1 on the original DON'T PASS LINE wager, and receive the odds as stated above for the additional laying of the odds wager.

However, after establishing the POINT, if on any subsequent throw, the shooter's first and next two dice total equals the established POINT, and prior to the shooter obtaining a first throw total of 7 as described above, the player would lose all money wagered on the DON'T PASS LINE, as well as any and all additional money wagered on this particular established POINT (the LAYING of the odds).

Once either the POINT is made, or the shooter's first two dice total 7 after the POINT is established, all bets would be settled, and this would signify the end of that portion or play for that particular established POINT. The shooter on the house's next throw would be looking to establish a “new” POINT for the players. Basically a “new” round of craps is played.

Players wagering on the DON'T PASS LINE can take their entire wager (including any LAY wager placed) down at any time during the course of play, as long as there have been no dice thrown.

COME and DON'T COME (these areas will be described together, and can only be made after the POINT has been established):

The COME area is similar to the PASS LINE wager (refer to the PASS LINE description of play). However, these wagers can only be placed after the POINT is established. In essence any and all players making a COME wager, are looking for the shooter to in essence establish another POINT for them. All of the same rules apply as far as throws of 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 are concerned. Furthermore, all of the same rules apply as far as this additional POINT is concerned. The DON'T COME area is similar to the DON'T PASS LINE wager (refer to the DON'T PASS LINE description of play). However, these wagers can only be placed after the POINT is established. In essence any and all players making a DON'T COME wager, are looking for the shooter to establish another additional point for them. All of the same rules apply as far as throws of 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 are concerned. Furthermore, all of the same rules apply as far as this additional POINT is concerned.

FIELD Bet:

Players may also play the FIELD. This is a one throw wager where the player receives a 1 to 1 payout if the shooter's first two dice on the very next throw total 3, 4, 9, 10, or 11. Some casinos will replace the 9 with the 5 and vice versa. This is a choice reserved by the house, and does not impact the integrity of the game of the invention. Whether the number 5 or 9 is included in the field, would be pre-established, and noted on each and every table so that all players would be fully aware of the numbers making up the FIELD wager. Also included in the FIELD wager and payout would be a shooter total of 2 or 12 on the shooter's first two cards of the very next throw. Under these scenarios, the payout would be as follows:

NUMBER PAYOUT 2 2 to 1 12 3 to 1 The FIELD wager is also a one throw wager, and the player will win as described above. However, any other first two dice total obtained by the shooter (other than that identified by the FIELD and displayed on the table layout) will result in a player loss of the entire wager placed. All of the field wagers are settled on each and every round of throwing. Hence, this is a one throw wager, with the player either winning or losing on each throw.

PLACE (or BUY) and LAY Wagering:

A player wishing to PLACE a wager on any of the following numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, may do so at any time, and before any dice are thrown for a particular round of throwing. Players placing (or buying) a wager on a particular number are looking for the shooter's first throw on any subsequent throw to total the number the wager was placed on. This wager will remain active until such time that the shooter's next throw totals the number the wager was placed on, or a 7. Any other total obtained by the shooter would be irrelevant to the player making this wager, and the wager would remain on the table, unless the player indicates to take the wager down (or turn the wager off). The player can take their wager down (or turn off their wager) at any time during the course of play, as long as no dice have been thrown to begin a new round of throwing.

If the shooter's first and next two dice total the number the player placed the wager, then the player would win and be paid according to the below payout table:

PLACE BUY (plus 5%) NUMBER PAYOUT PAYOUT  4 or 10 9 to 5 2 to 1 5 or 9 7 to 5 3 to 2 6 or 8 7 to 6 6 to 5 However, if the shooter's first and next throw totals a seven, any and all players who have made a PLACE (or BUY) wager would lose the entire amount wagered. Remembering that all other numbers aside from a 7 or the number the PLACE (or BUY) wager was made are inconsequential to this wager, and the wager will remain active for the next round of throwing, unless the player decides to take the wager down (or turn the wager off).

A player BUYING a number would have to place a desired wager plus 5% to obtain the odds in the far right column as stated directly above. The additional 5% would go directly to the house. Therefore, if the player desired to BUY the 5 for $10.00, they would have to give the shooter $10.50. The $10.00 would be placed on the 5, and the player would receive a payout of 3 to 2 on this $10.00, should the player win. The $0.50 would be retained by the house, and will not be included in any payout calculation.

LAY Wagering:

A player wishing to LAY a wager on any of the following numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, may do so at any time, and before any dice are thrown for a particular round of throwing. Players laying a wager on a particular number are looking for the shooter's first throw subsequent to a roll to total a 7. This wager will remain active until such time that the shooter's first and next throw totals the number the wager was placed on, or a 7. Any other total obtained by the shooter would be irrelevant to the player making this wager, and the wager would remain on the table, unless the player indicates to take the wager down. The player can take their wager down at any time during the course of play, as long as no dice have been thrown to begin a new round of throwing.

If the shooter's first and next throw totals 7, then the player would win, and be paid according to the below payout table:

NUMBER LAY (plus 5%) PAYOUT  4 or 10 1 to 2 5 or 9 2 to 3 6 or 8 5 to 6 However, if the shooter's next throw totals the number the LAY wager was placed on, the player loses the entire amount wagered. Remembering that all other numbers aside from a 7 or the number the LAY wager was made are inconsequential to this wager, and the wager will remain active for the next round of throwing, unless the player decides to take the wager down (or turn the wager off).

A player LAYING a number, would have to place down a desired wager plus 5%. The additional 5% would go directly to the house. Therefore, if the player desired to LAY the 5 for $10.00, they would have to give the shooter $10.50. The $10.00 would be placed behind the 5, and the player would receive a payout of 2 to 3 on this $10.00, should the player win. The $0.50 would be retained by the house, and will not be included in any payout calculation.

Standard Proposition Wagers

In wagering on the standard proposition bets at the craps table, a player makes a wager as to the occurrence of a specific event on the next single roll of the dice. The player can only win if the sum of the shooter's first (next) throw of the dice is the exact number his or her wager was placed on, for example, with odds typically as follows:

WAGER PLACED PAYOUT  2 30 to 1 12 30 to 1  3 15 to 1 11 15 to 1  2 & 12 15 to 1 2 & 3  9 to 1 11 & 12  9 to 1  3 & 11  7 to 1 (Horn) 2, 3, 11, & 12  4 to 1

According to the present teachings, individual boxes may be provided for wagers that are ordinarily split into separate wagers or placed across lines separating the wagers, such as 2 & 12 (high/low) is a bet (with ½ the total wager on 2, and ½ the total wager on 12), similarly wagers are placed (and have to be split) on a prop bet on a 2 and a 3 on the next roll or on an 11 or 12 (referred to as E.T., eleven-twelve) which is split or placed on the line separating the 11 and 12 in the prop bet area. “Any Craps” and Three-Way craps bets can be placed. These odds and payouts must be clearly marked on the table so that all players are aware of the exact odds, as the odds may vary slightly at different casinos or even at different tables.

In addition to these standard wagers (and others, such as BIG 6 or BIG 8, hopping wagers, “Big Red” (any seven), Three-Way Seven, and the like, that may be present on a casino craps table or electronic version thereof.

In the game of craps, there are certain events and wagers that can occur. The primary positive event on the craps table is establishing a point on the come-out roll, and then repeating that number before a seven is rolled (often referred to a seven-craps or sevening out). The winning event is referred to as a Pass.

It is desirable to offer additional wagers in craps that extend play of the game, add excitement to each roll, and adds additional high payout events. All references cited herein are incorporated in their entireties herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

After or before establishing a Point, a side bet is placed on a gaming event. The gaming event is that before a particular event (and particularly a negative event), a series of rolls will include (with a wager before the Point is established) every dice outcome from within the set of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 is achieved or a specific number of dice outcomes (e.g., at least 3, at least 4, at least 5 of the outcomes). The particular game ending event may be varied according to any of the following variants or interruptors:

A side bet is placed after a Point has been established:

-   -   a) making the Point,     -   b) sevening out,     -   c) rolling a craps (1-1, 1-2, or 6-6);     -   d) repeating a number (from among 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 other         than the Point); and     -   e) optionally an eleven may be included or excluded in the wager         ending event.

A side bet is placed before a Point has been established:

-   -   a) repeating any number among 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10;     -   b) sevening out,     -   c) rolling a craps (1-1, 1-2, or 6-6); and     -   d) optionally an eleven may be included or excluded in the wager         ending event.         There may be a number of variations in the play of the game,         depending upon desired local rules. For example, the side bet         may be placed at the beginning of a Come out roll. Variations on         the effects of the first roll may include:

any number from the set of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 allows the side bet to continue and establishes achievement of a first number from within the set;

i) a Come-out seven (7) may either end the side bet or be neutral;

ii) a Come-out eleven (11) may either end the side bet or be neutral;

iii) a Come-out craps (1-1, 1-2 and 6-6) may either end the side bet or be neutral. Once a Point has been established, the game is continued to a successful resolution outcome, for example every dice outcome (all six individual outcomes) from within the set of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 is achieved or a specific number of dice outcomes (e.g., at least 3, at least 4, at least 5 of the outcomes).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a dice game system having a result generator with physical dice.

FIG. 2 shows dice having readable indicia thereon.

FIG. 3 shows a block schematic of a system according to one embodiment of technology enabling the practice of a dice system used in the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example of a dice roll process.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example of a dice read process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

During a physical table game, electronic game or mixed physical table game and electronic wagering game comprising the play of Craps, a side bet wager is placed. The side bet is a wager (with odds) on the occurrence of an uninterrupted sequence of all numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. An interruption may be variously defined and may include any one or combinations of a 1-1, 1-2, 7, 6-6 and optionally an eleven count (5-6 or 6-5). (or a number from (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) already rolled).

There may be a number of variations in the play of the game, depending upon desired local rules. For example, the side bet may be placed at the beginning of a Come out roll. Variations on the effects of the first roll may include:

any number from the set of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 allows the side bet to continue and establishes achievement of a first number from within the set;

i) a Come-out seven (7) may either end the side bet or be neutral;

ii) a Come-out eleven (11) may either end the side bet or be neutral;

iii) a Come-out craps (1-1, 1-2 and 6-6) may either end the side bet or be neutral. Once a Point has been established, the game is continued to a successful resolution outcome, for example every dice outcome (all six individual outcomes) from within the set of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 is achieved or a specific number of dice outcomes (e.g., at least 3, at least 4, at least 5 of the outcomes forming a partially complete side bet outcome). For example, when a side bet is made and a first partially complete set outcome is achieved (e.g., 4 or 5 numbers from 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10), a number of events may occur. A first award level may be achieved at a lowest return level for the side bet, such as 2:1. The first award level may be collected by the player who has made the side bet and the side bet ended, or the amount of the award reduced (e.g., to 1:1), collected and the side bet continued, or the side bet automatically continues. Similarly when a side bet is made and a first partially complete set outcome is achieved (e.g., 4 or 5 numbers from 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10), a number of events may occur. A second award level may be achieved at a second return level for the side bet, such as 4:1. The first award level may be collected by the player who has made the side bet and the side bet ended, or the amount of the award reduced (e.g., to 2 or 3:1), collected and the side bet continued, or the side bet automatically continues.

Depending upon variations used in determination of outcomes, the payscale for resolving winning outcomes may be varied and should be varied. For example, if a side bet wager is received and accepted before the first Come-out roll, a game play variant where a) any one or all of a Craps, seven or eleven are neutral events allowing the side bet game to continue has a higher probability of being achieved than where b) any one or all of a Craps, seven or eleven are neutral events is a side bet game ending event. Therefore the payout odds on a) should be lower than the payout odds on b), such as 10:1 for a) and 20:1 for b). The amount of the payout odds should also be scaled appropriately when (for example) on the Come-out roll the seven and/or eleven are neutral events and craps (1-1, 1-2 and 6-6) are side bet ending events as compared to all events in a World event (1-1, 1-2, 7, 11 and 6-6). (Similarly, if repeat of numbers (e.g., 4 or 5 numbers from 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10) during a roll during play of the side bet game) . . . wordy?, as opposed to any repeated number being a side bet ending event, the payscale for winning the first variant would be lower than the payscale for winning the second variant.

Similarly, if a side bet wager is received and accepted after the first Come-out roll has established a Point, the probability of a successful outcome (e.g., all six numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 rolled) for this variant versus the variant where the side bet during a Come-out roll is at risk. Further similarly, where an eleven after establishing the Point c) is a neutral event allowing the side bet game to continue has a higher probability of being achieved than d) where an eleven is a side bet ending outcome. Therefore the payout odds on a) should be lower than the payout odds on b), such as 15:1 for c) and 20:1 for d).

When the game is played on a completely or nearly complete physical gaming system (e.g., dice and a gaming table on which the dice are tossed), there should be a physical or electronic sequence indicator showing which numbers (from among all six numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10) have been rolled. There may be a signage board that the croupier manipulates, an electronic display monitor (LED, liquid crystal, CRT, plasma, etc.) or a token receiving area where tokens are placed on each number as rolled. Any type of signage that is visible to players and the croupier on a physical gaming table (whether sequences are manually entered or automatically entered by reading the dice. The signage would indicate at least numbers (e.g., all six numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10) rolled, possibly clearly identify numbers with special display characteristics (different colors or size of images yet to be rolled), and give other or additional side bet gaming information or underlying game (craps) information.

The dice roll may be performed by manual throwing of the dice by a player or even a croupier, or a mechanical system that bounces, rolls, tosses or otherwise casts dice to produce a random outcome. Such mechanical systems usually restrain, retain or enclose the dice in a chamber, bell jar or other enclosure enabling both movement of the dice and outcomes on the dice to be visible.

The execution of a dice roll or throw in the practice of the present technology can be performed in any number or ways, including but not limited to a) a pure physical game (with a player or human throwing dice or a machine “popping” physical dice, and a human reading the dice throw outcome and manually paying out winners, with manual placement of tokens or markers on the table to indicate Points, progressions in the side bet etc.), a pure electronic game, with all wagers placed by credit input at player terminals, a random number generator implementing a virtual throw of the dice and a throw outcome displayed on a monitor or display, and a game processor (associated in communication with the random number generator) resolving wagers according to a paytable stored in memory, and c) a mixed physical and electronic game such as where a machine pops, rolls, tosses, bounces or otherwise causes a set of dice (usually two, although some games can be enabled with three dice, with the third die in the game or acting as a physical buffer to give an appearance of further randomization effects) to be moved and implement a random event (the display of a roll outcome (e.g., 2 . . . 12), with the physical dice being mechanically (optically or electronically, RF, IR, cameras, scanners, etc.) read and the information transmitted to a processor to resolve electronic wagers, or displayed on a screen so that a croupier can manually resolve wagers. In the latter physical/electronic hybrid system, various different aspects of the game can be either electronic or physical, without altering the underlying play of the craps game or side bet wager. The movement of the dice may be mechanically effected (usually within a transparent and relatively sealed container, such as a polymeric shell or polymer hemisphere) by vibration, shaking, impact, magnetic field variation on magnetically susceptible dice, flexing and “popping” of the floor of chamber to bounce dice off the floor, air movement (e.g., cyclones) that tosses dice about, and the like. These types of mechanical dice systems are described, by way of non-limiting example, in Published EPO Application EP 2265348, GAMING SYSTEM AND GAMING CONTROLLER, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The dice may be visually read by a croupier (also disclosed in EPO Application EP 2265348 and the resulting random event outcome (the “score” of the dice) can be announced or entered in an electronic wagering processor. Alternatively, optical scanners, bar code readers, video cameras, RFID systems, infrared readers, through the table cameras (through a light transmitting felt table), side board optical systems, overhead optical systems and the like may be used to sense information and transmit that information to a processor that converts the information into a random event outcome from the dice, and the processor can then display results on a screen and/or resolve electronic wagers.

The technology described herein may be generally and specifically described as including at least enabled technology of a gaming system for playing a wagering game during the game of craps. The gaming system may be implemented by manual components, electronic components or a hybrid blend of mechanical and electronic components, as is understood in the art. The gaming system may have:

-   -   a) a game table configured for the play of craps (the gaming         table may be a standard craps table with an open pit for casting         dice in the play of the game, of a hybrid physical/electronic         system as in U.S. Patent Application Document No. 20090124348         (Yoseloff) and/or EPO Application EP 2265348), or a pure         electronic format;     -   b) a specific wagering area on the game table or a specific         function on a player electronic terminal is available for         entering a side bet on a series of side bet events. As is         typical in craps, the positioning of the wager gives a specific         indication of the player position on behalf of which the wager         has been made. The specific wager area may indicate the         existence of the wager (e.g., a chip or token placed at the         position and/or an electronically activated light or recording         function);     -   c) a second specific area on the gaming table or indicator on         the player electronic terminal for monitoring a progression of         events within events occurring within determining dice outcomes         for the side bet events. This may also be a location on the         table, such as a laddered set of numbers such as

4 5 6 8 9 10 Where the point would be first marked off and then each available value number remaining that was achieved would be marked with a token, button, cover or the like, or if an electronic system, the light, color, tone, brightness or other visible characteristic of the display would be varied to show the removal of the value number of the specific remaining available value numbers;

-   -   d) the second specific area is functional in identifying an         occurrence of dice roll outcomes of numbers selected from the         group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 after establishment of         a point in a round of craps, wherein:     -   i) after a point is established on a come-out roll, the point         value selected from the group of come-out outcomes consisting of         4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 is identified, leaving all other dice roll         outcomes besides the point in that round of craps of numbers         selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 as         total available value number rolls;     -   ii) the second specific area having a first indicia thereon         indicating that on any occurrence of a roll subsequent to step         i), that any first available value number roll is achieved so         that the side bet event is indicated as continuing, and an         additional dice roll outcome of numbers selected from the group         consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the first indicia indicating         removal of that first available value number roll from the total         available number roll and leaving open indicia in the second         specific area identifying a second set of remaining available         value number rolls; and     -   iii) the second specific area also having a second indicia         thereon indicating that on any occurrence of a roll subsequent         to step ii), that any second available value number roll is         achieved so that the side bet event is indicated as continuing,         and indicating allowance of an additional dice roll to attempt         to achieve a subsequent outcome of numbers selected from the         group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the second indicia         indicating removal of that second available value number roll in         addition to having already indicated removal of the first         available value number roll from the total available number roll         and leaving open indicia in the second specific area identifying         a third set of remaining available value number rolls.         In the use of the system, the second specific area also has at         least a third indicia thereon (again, the token, button or         electronic configuration) indicating that on any occurrence of a         roll as a step iv) subsequent to step iii), that any third         available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet         event is indicated as continuing and/or that the side bet wager         can be resolved, and indicating allowance of an additional dice         roll to attempt to achieve a subsequent outcome of numbers         selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the         third indicia indicating removal of that third available value         number roll in addition to having already indicated removal of         the second available value number roll from the total available         number roll and leaving open indicia in the second specific that         identifies a fourth set of remaining available value number         rolls. Further in this system, the second specific area also has         a fourth indicia thereon indicating that on any occurrence of a         roll as step v) subsequent to step iv), that any fourth         available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet         event is indicated as continuing and/or that the side bet wager         can be resolved, and indicating allowance of an additional dice         roll to attempt to achieve a subsequent outcome of numbers         selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the         fourth indicia indicating removal of that fourth available value         number roll in addition to having already indicated removal of         the second and third available value number rolls from the total         available number roll and leaving open indicia in the second         specific that identifies a fifth set of remaining available         value number rolls. Further still in the system, the second         specific area also having a fourth indicia thereon indicating         that on any occurrence of a step vi) roll subsequent to step v),         that any fifth available value number roll is achieved so that         the side bet event is indicated as continuing and/or that the         side bet wager can be resolved, and indicating allowance of an         additional dice roll to attempt to achieve a subsequent outcome         of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9         and 10, the fifth indicia indicating removal of that fifth         available value number roll in addition to having already         indicated removal of the second and third and fourth available         value number rolls from the total available number roll and         leaving open indicia in the second specific that identifies a         fifth set of remaining available value number rolls.

The system may have physical dice that are moved and then allowed to stop so as to provide a random event outcome in the play of the game of craps, either in the conventional hand caste dice on a gaming table pit or where the physical dice are tumbled within a chamber by mechanical action to provide the random event outcome in the play of the game of craps. An optical reader may be configured to read optical data on the dice when stopped in the random event outcome and the optical reader is configured to transmit optical data to a processor that executes code to identify specifics of the random event outcome including at least total value of numbers of the dice for use as the random event outcome in the craps game or the optical reader is configured to read optical data on the dice when stopped in the random event outcome and the optical reader is configured to transmit optical data to a processor configured to execute code to identify specifics of the random event outcome including at least total value of numbers of the dice for use as the random event outcome in the craps game, and the processor executes code such that each indicia indicating removal of an available value number is an alteration of an image to a monitor to simulate removal indication.

In even partial electronic systems (e.g., the above-mentioned hybrid systems), the processor would be configured to execute code such that each indicia indicating removal of an available value number is an alteration of an image to a monitor to simulate removal indication.

A method of playing a wagering side bet game concurrent with the play of craps on a gaming table using two physical dice could also include steps such as:

-   -   accepting a side bet wager on a craps table,     -   causing a physical set (or in an electronic version, a virtual         set) of two dice during a come-out roll to produce a first         random event outcome;     -   if the first random event outcome consists of a point available         number of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, there is a step of placing an         identifier on the number of the first random outcome to identify         establishment of a Point number and indicating removal of the         Point number from side bet available random number outcomes from         an original set of available numbers consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9         and 10 to form a second set of available numbers (this again, as         in all similar steps, be performed with a token, marker, chit,         button, or by an electronic “marker” or identifier);     -   causing a second roll of the physical set (or virtual set) of         two dice during a game continuance roll to produce a second         random event outcome. The provision of a roll of virtual dice is         preferably a combination of a visual display of moving device,         which actually is little more than a stored data set of images         of moving dice, combined with a random number generator that         provides a random event outcome (e.g., 36 distinct outcomes of         2, 3, 4, . . . 12, with the various combinations of the         individual die) that is then correlated with a dice roll         outcome, which is then displayed on the screen from stored         images of the 36 (or fewer) available dice configurations at the         end of a roll;     -   if the second random event outcome is a second number within the         second set of available numbers, placing an identifier on         indicia of the second number, creating a third set of available         numbers consisting of the original set of numbers less the Point         number and the second number;     -   causing a third roll of the physical set of two dice during a         game continuance roll to produce a third random event outcome;     -   if the third random event outcome is a third number within the         third set of available numbers, placing an identifier on indicia         of the third number, creating a fourth set of available numbers         consisting of the original set of numbers less the Point number         and the second number and the third number. The method may be         practiced, for example, where the physical dice are in a         conventional dice pit or contained within a chamber having a         floor and the dice are mechanically moved so as to elevate off         the floor and/or bounce along the floor so as to randomly rotate         the dice, with movement stopped to effect a random event outcome         with the dice. The typical dice pit creates the random dice         outcome event by the physical dice having free movement of the         dice across the top of a gaming table, with interior walls of         the table being struck by at least one die (at a time or both         dice at the same time) to effect each random event outcome. It         is desirable to reduce croupier error or fraud to have a sensor         that senses outcome information on each die and the sensor         transmits the outcome information on each die to a processor,         and the processor executes code to determine event outcome         values from the dice. The same or separate processor may         recognize and/or accept wagers on the side bet game and resolves         the wagers on the side bet game after at least three consecutive         random event outcomes have been identified by the processor as         effecting available value numbers. The system may have the         processor configured to recognize when all available value         numbers have been a random event outcome in sequence without a         sevening out, and the processor is configured to then resolve         the side bet and/or the processor may be configured to recognize         when all available value numbers have been a random event         outcome in sequence without a sevening out and the processor         recognizes that an original point from step i) has been made,         the processor is configured to resolve the side bet wager as a         maximum payout resolution of the side bet wager.

An electronic gaming system for playing a wagering game during the play of an electronic game of crap may include and be configured with components as follows:

-   -   a) a processor, a random number generator, wagering input         controls and a video display monitor     -   b) a specific wagering function configured on the wagering input         controls for entering a side bet on a series of side bet events;     -   c) a virtual display on the video display monitor displaying a         virtual indicator for monitoring a progression of events within         events occurring within determining dice outcomes for the side         bet events;     -   d) the virtual display identifying an occurrence of dice roll         outcomes of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5,         6, 8, 9 and 10 after establishment of a point in a round of         craps, wherein:     -   iv) the processor configured so that after a virtual point is         established on a virtual come-out roll, the directions are         provided by the processor to virtually indicate that the point         value selected from the group of come-out outcomes consisting of         4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 is identified, leaving all other dice roll         outcomes besides the point in that round of craps of numbers         selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 as         total available value number rolls;     -   v) the processor configured to cause a virtual display on the         display monitor of a first indicia thereon indicating that on         any occurrence of a roll subsequent to step iv), that any first         available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet         event is indicated as continuing, and an additional virtual dice         roll outcome of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4,         5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the first indicia indicating removal of that         first available value number roll from the total available         number roll and leaving open indicia in the second specific area         identifying a second set of remaining available value number         rolls; and     -   vi) the processor configured to cause a virtual display on the         display monitor of a second indicia thereon indicating that on         any occurrence of a roll subsequent to step v), that any second         available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet         event is indicated as continuing, and indicating allowance of an         additional dice roll to attempt to achieve a subsequent outcome         of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9         and 10, the second indicia indicating removal of that second         available value number roll in addition to having already         indicated removal of the first available value number roll from         the total available number roll and leaving open indicia in the         second specific area identifying a third set of remaining         available value number rolls.

It is to be noted that the present game does not require (nor preferably does not allow) that the dice outcomes effect Passes on numbers besides the Point, but rather that only the available numbers be cast once and only once during the play of a round of carps in attempting a point. The roll of otherwise normally safe numbers (from among the values of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10) that are not the point, if repeated, can end the play of the side bet game.

Some aspects of the present invention also include the use of prior art equipment structurally and software reconfigured to assist in practicing the presently disclosed technology. This equipment relates to at least a result generator for rolling dice to produce a random result and reading the dice roll result. The result generator 110 comprises one or more dice 120, an agitator 130 and a dice reader 140, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The dice 120 may rest on an upper surface of a support platform which may form part of the agitator or may be a separate part of the result generator assembly. The dice 120 each have a plurality of facets 225 and each facet 225 may be provided with an identification circuit 240 having an identification code or normal dice markings (e.g., dots) which is unique within the result generator and readable by the dice reader 140. The result generator may include a single die or a plurality of dice. The number of dice may depend on a game being played using the random number generator.

The agitator 130 is adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice to generate a random dice roll result. For example, the agitator rolls, bounces, tumbles or throws the dice as would be done by a croupier or player in a manual dice game. For example, an agitator may include a device support platform and a motor tp cause the dice support platform to move in a controlled manner to provide mechanical impetus, for example by jerking, popping, flexing and/or vibrating, to cause the dice to roll, bounce and move in a random manner. Alternative forms of agitator such as mechanical arm for moving the dice, tumbler or a cup in which the dice are shaken are also envisaged.

The dice reader 140 may be disposed below the dice support surface to read the dice roll result, after the dice roll, when the dice 120 are at rest on the support platform. The device reader 140 comprises a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting against the support platform's upper surface, in other words, the bottom facet of each dice, to determine the dice roll result. For example, by reading the identification code of the bottom facet the dice reader can determine which facet is on top and hence the number or symbol of the top facet.

The result generator 110 can be included in a game controller 150 of a gaming system 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the gaming system 100 comprises a controller 150 which is in data communication with one or more player terminals 180. The controller 150 includes the result generator 110, a processor 190 that processes the game play instructions and dice roll results in accordance with game play rules 175 and outputs game play outcomes to the player terminals 180. The game play instructions can be stored as program code in a memory 170 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g., a PC), microprocessor or a server.

Each of the player terminals 180 includes the components required for a player to enter game play instructions which can include the wagers, including the side bet wagers to play the games. These wagers must be accepted by the processor, which is configured to accept allowable wagers and refuse disallowed wagers, such as wagers for excessive credit. Each player terminal can include a credit mechanism 182 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, a player input mechanism 187 to enable a player enter game play instructions and a display 185 or other output mechanism for presenting game information and outcomes to the player.

The credit mechanism 182 may be a coin or token input chute or bill collector and matching dispenser, a ticket-in-ticket-out credit/payout system or alternatively a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example, as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

The display 185 and/or other output mechanism may be a video display unit, such as a cathode ray tube screen device, a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit or other output mechanism. A player terminal may be provided with more than one display unit or type of display, for example, a player terminal may be provided with a screen type display and another form of output mechanism, such as a series of lights or a panel of selectively illuminated symbols and speakers for audio outputs. Different game information may be communicated by each display or output mechanism.

The player input mechanism 187 can be any suitable form of user input mechanism which enables a player to input game play instructions, for example, a bank of buttons for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, a key board or keypad, a touch screen, etc. The player input mechanism may include a plurality of input mechanisms or interfaces, for example, one or more banks of buttons and one or more touch screens, etc.

An embodiment of a dice roll based result generator will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5. The result generator includes a plurality of dice 120. The dice are rolled using the agitator 130. In the embodiment illustrated the agitator 130 includes the dice support platform 420 which is movable, driven by a motor 430 controlled by a motion controller 435. Motor is used in this context to describe an apparatus for moving the platform and may be hydraulic, for example, a plurality of hydraulic jacks, controllable by the motion controller 435. The motion controller 435 is adapted to control a movement sequence for the agitator to cause a dice roll which can be hard coded into the motor or programmable, such as using a control processor. For example, the motion controller may be implemented in a programmable logic device or processor coded with a sequence of motor control instructions which when executed control the motor and any other agitator hardware to execute a sequence of define movements. Alternatively, the motion controller may be hardware apparatus, for example, comprising a set of gears, cams, pistons, etc. arranged to cause a plurality of defined movements of the support platform when driven by the motor, and a mechanical timing device adapted to cause shifting between the different hardware apparatus such that the plurality of defined movement are executed in a defined sequence.

An example of a movement sequence is illustrated in FIG. 5. In this embodiment the dice support platform is moved to roll the dice. The dice roll starts with the dice support platform in an initial position 510. An initiating motion 520 serves to initiate movement of the dice. The initiating motion applies a rapid mechanical impetus to the dice, for example, by rapidly jerking the dice support platform vertically. The dice support platform is then vibrated 530 at a first level of vibration which has vibration amplitude and frequency adapted to keep the dice in motion. A second rapid mechanical impetus is then applied 540, to simulate a dice throw. For example, the support platform can be jerked again to perform a dice throw 540. The support platform is then vibrated at a second vibration level 550. The second vibration level is adapted to cause any dice resting on an edge to fall so it will rest flat on a facet but the vibration of the support surface is not sufficient enough to cause a dice resting flat on a facet to roll to another facet. For example, the second vibration level can have a lower vibration amplitude and lower vibration frequency than that of the first vibration level. After a period of vibration at the second vibration level, which enables the dice to settle on the support platform, the vibration stops 560 and the support platform positioned ready for the dice to be read 570. The dice reading position for the support platform may be the same as the initial position from which the dice roll is started. The second period of vibration at the second vibration level is an optional vibration step which has the advantage of minimizing the chance of a dice resting on an edge and hence the dice roll result being invalid.

An identification circuit 240 is provided in each facet 225 of each dice 120. In an embodiment, each identification circuit is a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit. Each circuit is adapted to transmit an identification code which is unique within the result generator. The passive RFID circuits are powered by current induced in the circuit when the circuit is in the presence of an alternating electromagnetic field of an appropriate strength and frequency. The electromagnetic field can be generated from detector circuitry used for reading the identification code of the RFID circuit. For example, the dice reader may comprise a plurality of detector coils which are driven by an alternating current source to generate the electromagnetic field which is used for powering the RFID circuits and reading the identification code. Current induced by the electromagnetic field is rectified to power the identification circuit, thus no independent power storage is required for the identification circuit. The identification circuit is adapted to modulate the received electromagnetic signal to transmit the circuit's identification code. The identification code may be hardwired into the circuit or stored in circuit memory such as PROM memory during manufacture of the circuit. In an embodiment using passive RFID circuits, the electromagnetic signal to power the identification circuit is provided using detector coils of the dice reader which are positioned below the upper surface of the dice support platform to read the identification code of the dice facets resting on the support surface. The RFID circuit is adapted to modulate the electromagnetic signal, and this modulation is in turn received by the detector coils and demodulated by a detector circuit to read the identifier of the dice facet resting on the dice support surface.

Figure two shows a single die 120 having edges 225 that will support the die against a table or casting surface (not shown). Each face of the die 120 has a readable symbol or code or responsive signaling device 240 that can be automatically read by optical, electronic, or magnetic means.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a system functional within the scope of the present gaming technology. The gaming table 2 is shown with twp outcome reading sensors 3 and two dice 5 on the table 2. Seven player position data entry/input terminals 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d, 6 e, 6 f and 6 g provide input and information output by communication connection to player positions 6 a-6 g and information to a processor 16. The data from the processor may be further acted on by game logic/game controller/execution of code 10 through a communication link to the processor 16. The processor is in communication link 12 with a display area (here an LED panel) 14 that has changed the value of the first point (here the point is shown as 4, which is smaller and lighter than the original set of numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10) while maintaining a different image for each of the remaining available value numbers 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10.

Although many specific components, method steps and values have been identified, these have been intended to represent examples from within the generic scope of the invention. For example, paytables may have specific values for each achievement level on the side bet game, but may be varied according to local custom or rules. Non-limiting examples of the paytables and probabilities are shown below.

Sharp Shooter Side Bet Event Ways p EV p*EV All 5 Points + Main Point — All 5 Points — 4 Points — 3 Points — Nothing −1 — Total: 2,176,782,336 — EDGE: — PAYOUT SCHEDULE All 5 numbers + Making Point 30X-60X All 5 numbers 10X-30X 4 Numbers  6X-10X 3 Numbers 2X-6X Fewer than 3 Numbers 0 Point Made 0 or side bet wager returned

It is to be preferred in a first embodiment that the progression of numbers may require each number (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10) may not be repeated. If any of the numbers are allowed to be repeated, or if intermediate outcomes of an eleven-count are allowed, the payouts are varied from the embodiment. Other such variations are within the skill of the artisan and within the scope of the invention. 

1. A gaming system for playing a wagering game during the game of craps, the gaming system comprising: a) a game table configured for the play of craps; b) a specific wagering on the game table or a specific function on a player electronic terminal for entering a side bet on a series of side bet events; c) a second specific area on the gaming table or indicator on the player electronic terminal for monitoring a progression of events within events occurring within determining dice outcomes for the side bet events; d) the second specific area identifying an occurrence of dice roll outcomes of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 after establishment of a point in a round of craps, wherein the following steps i), ii) and iii) are performed: i) after a point is established on a come-out roll, the point value selected from the group of come-out outcomes consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 is identified, leaving all other dice roll outcomes besides the point in that round of craps of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 as total available value number rolls; ii) the second specific area having a first indicia thereon indicating that on any occurrence of a roll subsequent to step i), that any first available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet event is indicated as continuing, and an additional dice roll outcome of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the first indicia indicating removal of that first available value number roll from the total available number roll and leaving open indicia in the second specific area identifying a second set of remaining available value number rolls; and iii) the second specific area also having a second indicia thereon indicating that on any occurrence of a roll subsequent to step ii), that any second available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet event is indicated as continuing, and indicating allowance of an additional dice roll to attempt to achieve a subsequent outcome of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the second indicia indicating removal of that second available value number roll in addition to having already indicated removal of the first available value number roll from the total available number roll and leaving open indicia in the second specific area identifying a third set of remaining available value number rolls.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the second specific area also has at least a third indicia thereon indicating that on any occurrence of a roll as a step iv) subsequent to step iii), that any third available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet event is indicated as continuing and/or that the side bet wager can be resolved, and indicating allowance of an additional dice roll to attempt to achieve a subsequent outcome of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the third indicia indicating removal of that third available value number roll in addition to having already indicated removal of the second available value number roll from the total available number roll and leaving open indicia in the second specific that identifies a fourth set of remaining available value number rolls.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the second specific area also having a fourth indicia thereon indicating that on any occurrence of a roll as a step v) subsequent to step iv), that any fourth available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet event is indicated as continuing and/or that the side bet wager can be resolved, and indicating allowance of an additional dice roll to attempt to achieve a subsequent outcome of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the fourth indicia indicating removal of that fourth available value number roll in addition to having already indicated removal of the second and third available value number rolls from the total available number roll and leaving open indicia in the second specific that identifies a fifth set of remaining available value number rolls.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein the second specific area also having a fifth indicia thereon indicating that on any occurrence of a step vi) roll subsequent to step v), that any fifth available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet event is indicated as continuing and/or that the side bet wager can be resolved, and indicating allowance of an additional dice roll to attempt to achieve a subsequent outcome of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the fifth indicia indicating removal of that fifth available value number roll in addition to having already indicated removal of the second and third and fourth available value number rolls from the total available number roll and leaving open indicia in the second specific area that identifies a fifth set of remaining available value number rolls.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the physical dice are tumbled within a chamber by mechanical action to provide the random event outcome in the play of the game of craps.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the confined area for the physical dice comprises a chamber where the physical dice are tumbled by mechanical action to provide the random event outcome in the play of the game of craps.
 7. The system of claim 5 wherein an optical reader is configured to read optical data on the dice when stopped in the random event outcome and the optical reader is configured to transmit optical data to a processor that executes code to identify specifics of the random event outcome including at least total value of numbers of the dice for use as the random event outcome in the craps game.
 8. The system of claim 6 wherein an optical reader is configured to read optical data on the dice when stopped in the random event outcome and the optical reader is configured to transmit optical data to a processor configured to execute code to identify specifics of the random event outcome including at least total value of numbers of the dice for use as the random event outcome in the craps game, and the processor executes code such that each indicia indicating removal of an available value number is an alteration of an image to a monitor to simulate removal indication.
 9. The system of claim 7 further comprising the processor being configured to execute code such that each indicia indicating removal of an available value number is an alteration of an image to a monitor to simulate removal indication.
 10. A method of playing a wagering side bet game concurrent with the play of craps on a gaming table using two physical dice comprising the steps of: accepting a side bet wager on a craps table, causing a physical set of two dice during a come-out roll to produce a first random event outcome; if the first random event outcome consists of a point available number of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, placing an identifier on the number of the first random outcome to identify establishment of a Point number and indicating removal of the Point number from side bet available random number outcomes from an original set of available numbers consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 to form a second set of available numbers; causing a second roll of the physical set of two dice during a game continuance roll to produce a second random event outcome; if the second random event outcome is a second number within the second set of available numbers, placing an identifier on indicia of the second number, creating a third set of available numbers consisting of the original set of numbers less the Point number and the second number; causing a third roll of the physical set of two dice during a game continuance roll to produce a third random event outcome; if the third random event outcome is a third number within the third set of available numbers, placing an identifier on indicia of the third number, creating a fourth set of available numbers consisting of the original set of numbers less the Point number and the second number and the third number.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the physical dice are contained within a chamber having a floor and the dice are mechanically moved so as to elevate off the floor and/or bounce along the floor so as to randomly rotate the dice, with movement stopped to effect a random event outcome with the dice.
 12. The method of claim 10 where a random event by the physical dice occurs by free movement of the dice across the top of a gaming table, with interior walls of the table being struck by at least one die to effect each random event outcome.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein a sensor senses outcome information on each die and the sensor transmits the outcome information on each die to a processor, and the processor executes code to determine event outcome values from the dice.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the processor accepts wagers on the side bet game and resolves the wagers on the side bet game after at least three consecutive random event outcomes have been identified by the processor as effecting available value numbers.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein a sensor senses outcome information on each die and the sensor transmits the outcome information on each die to a processor, and the processor executes code to determine event outcome values from the dice.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the processor accepts wagers on the side bet game and resolves the wagers on the side bet game after at least three consecutive random event outcomes have been identified by the processor as effecting available value numbers.
 17. The system of claim 4 wherein a processor present in the system is configured to recognize when all available value numbers have been a random event outcome in sequence without a sevening out, and the processor is configured to then resolve the side bet.
 18. The system of claim 4 wherein a processor present in the system is configured to recognize when all available value numbers have been a random event outcome in sequence without a sevening out, and the processor is configured to recognize that an original point from step 1) has been made, and the processor is configured to resolve the side bet as a maximum payout resolution of the side bet wager.
 19. An electronic gaming system for playing a wagering game during the play of an electronic game of craps, the gaming system comprising: a) a processor, a random number generator, wagering input controls and a video display monitor b) a specific wagering function configured on the wagering input controls for entering a side bet on a series of side bet events; c) a virtual display on the video display monitor displaying a virtual indicator for monitoring a progression of events within events occurring within determining dice outcomes for the side bet events; d) the virtual display identifying an occurrence of dice roll outcomes of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 after establishment of a point in a round of craps, wherein the following steps vii), viii) and ix) are performed: vii) the processor configured so that after a virtual point is established on a virtual come-out roll, the directions are provided by the processor to virtually indicate that the point value selected from the group of come-out outcomes consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 is identified, leaving all other dice roll outcomes besides the point in that round of craps of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 as total available value number rolls; viii) the processor configured to cause a virtual display on the display monitor of a first indicia thereon indicating that on any occurrence of a roll subsequent to step vii), that any first available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet event is indicated as continuing, and an additional virtual dice roll outcome of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the first indicia indicating removal of that first available value number roll from the total available number roll and leaving open indicia in the second specific area identifying a second set of remaining available value number rolls; and ix) the processor configured to cause a virtual display on the display monitor of a second indicia thereon indicating that on any occurrence of a roll subsequent to step viii), that any second available value number roll is achieved so that the side bet event is indicated as continuing, and indicating allowance of an additional dice roll to attempt to achieve a subsequent outcome of numbers selected from the group consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the second indicia indicating removal of that second available value number roll in addition to having already indicated removal of the first available value number roll from the total available number roll and leaving open indicia in the second specific area identifying a third set of remaining available value number rolls.
 20. The method of claim 10 wherein: accepting a side bet wager on a craps table is performed by a processor receiving data input from a player input device, mechanically causing a physical set of two dice during a come-out roll to produce a first random event outcome within a chamber, the mechanical device tumbling and stopping the dice to produce a random event outcome with the dice; the processor receiving signals and the processor thereby determining if the first random event outcome consists of a point available number of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, placing an identifier on the number of the first random outcome to identify establishment of a Point number and indicating removal of the Point number from side bet available random number outcomes from an original set of available numbers consisting of 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 to form a second set of available numbers; the processor causing a second mechanical roll of the physical set of two dice by within the chamber during a game continuance roll to produce a second random event outcome; the processor receiving signals and the processor thereby determining if the second random event outcome is a second number within the second set of available numbers, placing an identifier on indicia of the second number, creating a third set of available numbers consisting of the original set of numbers less the Point number and the second number; the processor causing a third mechanical roll of the physical set of two dice during a game continuance roll to produce a third random event outcome; the processor receiving signals and the processor thereby determining if the third random event outcome is a third number within the third set of available numbers, placing an identifier on indicia of the third number, creating a fourth set of available numbers consisting of the original set of numbers less the Point number and the second number and the third number. 